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June 29, 2009

School bans swimming goggles

by Sam Savage

A British school has banned swimming class students from wearing goggles because the protective eyewear could cause injuries.

St. Sidwells Primary School in Exeter, England, said it has decided to allow goggles only for children who have an adverse reaction to chemicals in water after receiving advice from the British Association of Advisors and Lecturers in Physical Education, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

Head teachers should inform parents and carers that goggles can be a hazard and cause permanent eye injury, the association said in literature distributed to schools. Wet plastic is very slippery and frequent, incorrect or unnecessary adjustment or removal of them, by pulling them away from the eyes instead of sliding them over the forehead, can lead to them slipping from the pupil's grasp with the hard plastic causing severe injury.

Tracy Brock, whose 11-year-old daughter attends the school, said the new rules are health and safety gone too far.

My children have worn goggles for years and there's never been a problem before. Part of growing up is playing taking risks. Children are being wrapped up in cotton wool now, she said.